I have sent out a mail out to a few agents, done it all professional with a headshot, cv, show reel, cover letter and stamped address envelope,
and a couple have come back, clear they do not want me on their books but they do not even have a simple letter saying who it is from ?? just the headshot or wht ever thrown back into the envelope. Think I have to but a number on my stamped address envelops in future just so I know who it is from?? does anyone else have this and do they think it is a bit rude??
Hey Rob I have no idea where you got the conception that I was dismissing other peoples comments. way off base man, and quite bizzare to be honest. If you read my opening statement it reads, all great comments. I was using Forbes as a positive and successuful example to use in a tough business. Sorry man, but felt like that was uncalled for.
Reality check time me thinks:
When a garage sends you a car service deal leaflet in the post….what do you do….do you read it carefully…..and think actually I don't have a car/or I don't need the service deal….but I'll call that garage and let them know and thank them for the leaflet. In actual fact you probably simply dump it in the bin and curse junk mail!!
Putting the Drama school name on the envelope is an old and trusted tip …but a very good one. Or you can add a disguised ref code to the back of your envelope or picture - they wont even suss that you are monitoring them... if they feel they don't want you to know who has turned you down. Sometimes if they feel they are being monitored they might feel intimidated.
The rule of thumb return success rate when sending out mail shots it is about a 2% attention rate, and about a 1% success rate. Which of course means…..out of 100 agents applications if one responds at all….you are doing well….at least it shows they opened it! The average time someone reads a home webpage is about 3 seconds....if you dont have the sufers attention by that time.....they move on.
As has already been said …just move on….and take it on the chin….& a big harshe welcome to the world of "we are not required!" As hard as it is…don't think of it as rude or any other negative thoughts…..turn it into positive thoughts. Perhaps you are not making best use of your application letters and or PR presentation, showreel etc. I'm sure what you sent is great….but its often easier to blame what you deem to be a rude agent for lack of success ……..as opposed to ones own efforts! They might be very rude in your eyes….but they are representing "some" actors so why not you? They wont make a profit by never representing any actors...so again...why not you?!
One last thing: Do you really want an agent who takes you on …on the basis of a mail shot and a possible meeting? Unless you have a stunning CV/or reel and body of professional credits which were cast with known casting directors and or directed by known directors….it is unlikely the blanket mail shot will produce too much fruit in the first place! If I were wanting to attract a "good" agent….I would concentrate my efforts on getting into a production/film/theatre that an agent can come to see…and send out masses of invites to that…..this will give them something tangible to decide upon as opposed to just a CV and 1 x 10x8 print. Is the world of Drama showcases still alive? You need to have something about you, or be in something that makes that agent think….."he's good…..we could market him!" I'm sure you have something about you…we all have….we just have to be realistic and find our own unique selling point and capitalise on that. Never deem agents/casting directors etc rude or uncaring…..though just like actors….some might be…..but always bear in mind like you….they want to make a living too. Therefore, agents are all wanting to like you and market you….but for whatever reason….they also reach the decision…that they can't…..but its rarely a personal decision.
I hope you don't deem that as dull and blunt……just being realistic.
Best to all!
BTW: Your reel is way too long I feel…..the guy who is threatening you with a gun is, to be blunt, ummm... giving a weak performance….and it weakens those scenes for you….which is a shame coz you are good. The reel could be dramatically edited right down to about a 1.5 mins and still show an agent your skills and range without diminishing your potential at all. The filming looks fine enough apart from the boom mic popping into shot at 1.53 when you are telling the girl you are an alcoholic! That distracted me lots and it would jar an experienced agent's eye too. There were only a few different scenes….which is fine…but I'd cut that reel right down if it were me at the editing suite
One other point your portfolio main pic is 5 years old now! Perhaps you have not changed….but agents like to know they are looking at up to date shots ….a year or so out of date is Ok…but if I were an agent and a young actors is showing me pics that are 5 years old….that might also concern me. I also wondered if the pic is the best in for you....you seem really down in the shot? I didn't get moody and mean...I just get looks pissed off!
I hope you find that constructive….its meant to be, its also just my opinion……you have the skills and great potential….but its all a bit long for my liking, which is ok if you have lots of different stuff to show.
I think your total PR is all there….just needs sharpening and honing down, and being more specific and focused on your type…. and you may find yourself being deemed more marketable then.
I'm sorry to say Tom that it's just the nature of our industry today, no one will really take time and explain the in and out. It is unfortunate and rude, but if you were sent 500 cv's a day would you want to write a covering letter to each and every one of them?
I think the two key things here are understanding other peoples time and knowing that no one will ever be as interested in your career as you are.
I attended a seminar given by CDs and Agents last year and how much time they actually get to make decisions about actors is breathtakingly small. after all we all know there are more of us than there are them.
lets assume an agent gets 100 applications a day, allow 5 mins to look at headshots/sort you, 5 mins for your showreel, 5mins decision making etc. now 100 times 15 minutes equals 25 hours of someones working week. if you get 100 applications a day thats 125 hours a week. Bottom line - no one has time to write back to you.
I'd say this...research research research - only approach CDs/agents if you think you can solve a problem for them. look for agents advertising that their books are open. Only apply to agents you actually want to work with. go through their current artists - look for ones that don't already have 10 of you on their books. keep everything you send short sweet and bang up to date. contact them when you have something to say - you're appearing in.... show that you are an active member of the industry. your taking TV acting lessons movement/singing..networking.
I recently signed with my first 'real' agent at the modest age of 38. It was all down to months of researching various agents and choosing what was right for me initially, but also if the agent could provide me the platform I needed to undertake the work I intended to do and to support me through my career.
I had had offers from agents before, one was from someone who I had never met which left me thinking that they were not genuine, and after research I was correct in my thinking.
You are as important to your agent as they are to you. I compiled the most ridiculous list of the things relevant to me and what that agent must be able to provide for me. With that in hand I then researched agents that were looking to take on new clients.
Just blanket targeting agents is not productive. As advised before, only approach those who have made it knowledge that they are looking for new clients to represent and tailor make your application.
DO take the time to research them BEFORE applying, are they right for you? would you be right for them? The most important thing is to be honest about your abilities and be prepared to demonstrate as such, if you are not able to invite them to see you in something.
I've had generic responses just like you have, and then I changed my mindset and the way in which the approach is made. It took a lot of my time and research to narrow down to four potential suitable agents, and then I tailor made my application when their books where open.
DO also research who they currently represent. Agencies often will not represent someone who is visibly similar to someone they already represent. Have a look at peoples profiles, be nosey! see what work they have had recently.
A decent recent set of headshots, and I mean recent, and untouched is also a must. It's imperative that you look like your photo when you walk in the room.
Unfortunately it is a waiting game. But worth the wait. Relax into it, and do the research into the agent you are looking to be represented by.
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